RESIDENTS have raised concerns about plans to cut down trees at six nature reserves in Clifton.

It comes after the nature reserves won £70,000 of funding for the management and improvement of local wildlife, with around a quarter of the budget allocated to thinning woodland.

The plans were discussed at a committee meeting for the Wilford and Clifton area on Wednesday, but residents outlined their concerns and it was decided that further consultation with the public would be necessary.

Kevin McCormack, chairman of the Clifton Village Residents' Association, said: "A lot of people are a bit concerned that there are too many trees being taken down."

Despite his worries about the trees, Mr McCormack does welcome the investment.

He added: "I think it is nice that we do improve the area and do maintain and manage it. A lot of people go for a relaxing short walk or to get closer to nature."

City councillor for Clifton North, Roger Steel, said local residents had counted up to 700 trees that had been marked for removal at the Clifton Grove nature reserve alone.

He added: "If this scheme goes ahead, it is tantamount to environmental vandalism.

"Clifton Grove is designated as a heritage landscape parkland. It's for the benefit of people and not wildlife, although that's a consideration.

"It's been there for years and I know it needs some management, but not the devastation this proposes."

Charles Langtree is head of estate management at the Notts Wildlife Trust, who are overseeing the project.

He said: "In order to secure funding we've had to specify a level of work. We've engaged in extensive consultation. We have further work to do and will be talking to the tenants and residents' association and other groups in the area."

Lucy Kennedy is leading the Wildlife in the City part of the project, which is looking at improved access to wildlife areas and engaging the public.

She said: "We've got volunteers every Friday. In the next couple of weeks, we're planting trees. We need to get people involved in their local wildlife. It's exciting – we're hoping to create a bit of a buzz."

The project aims to maintain and improve the area's woodland and fish habitats.